Head coach Kieran Hall expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance, yet conveyed a degree of frustration regarding the halftime score. Despite dominating the first half, Duke only led 1-0, a situation Hall believed gave Arkansas unnecessary opportunities for a comeback. This sentiment proved prescient as the second half became a tighter affair. Duke’s initial breakthrough came just under nine minutes into play. After Arkansas had threatened twice, Devin Lynch recovered possession in the Razorbacks’ half and swiftly found Minestrella. Utilizing her exceptional speed, Minestrella outmaneuvered her defender, drove into the box, and expertly slotted the ball low past goalkeeper Keegan Smith for her third goal in as many games. Hall commended the early aggression and the quality of the finish.
Following Minestrella’s goal, the Blue Devils continued to create numerous opportunities but struggled to convert them into further scores before halftime. Kat Rader’s shot was blocked, and another attempt sailed over the net. Minestrella herself had another close call, missing wide, while freshman Avery Oder’s shot was also denied. Despite holding a significant 14-3 shot advantage by the intermission, Duke’s lead remained a mere 1-0, leaving the Razorbacks determined to equalize in the second half.
As the second half commenced, Arkansas aggressively pushed forward, registering five of the first eight shots and frequently testing Duke’s sophomore goalkeeper, Caroline Dysart. Dysart rose to the challenge magnificently, making crucial saves, including diving across the goal and punching balls over the crossbar, to maintain her clean sheet. The San Diego native concluded the match with a career-best five saves, earning praise from Coach Hall for her fantastic performance under pressure. Even with Dysart’s heroics and Duke’s resilient defense, Arkansas nearly broke through when Kyndal Ewertz fired over the crossbar from close range after the ball skipped past Dysart.
With less than ten minutes remaining and Duke clinging to a precarious 1-0 lead, the Blue Devils finally found their second wind. Devin Lynch, receiving assists from Kat Rader and Carina Lageyre, advanced through the midfield. From outside the 18-yard box, she unleashed a powerful, low shot that eluded Keegan Smith’s grasp, extending Duke’s lead to 2-0 with just over seven minutes left. Lynch reflected on the second half, acknowledging its challenges but emphasizing the team’s resilience and mental fortitude. With another significant victory secured, Duke is now set to return home to face Creighton on Sunday.
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